The celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages and Filipino Sign Language Day held on October 13–14, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro City, brought together Deaf leaders, sign language interpreters, Deaf students, parents of Deaf children, and SPED teachers from across Mindanao. Participants came from Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Davao, Digos, Butuan, Gingoog, Ozamis, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Representing the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM) were two Deaf participants from Zamboanga City, one Deaf from Ipil, and Christian Balana, Zamboanga Sibugay PDAO Focal Person, together with Paul and Rhea Caberte from the Adventist Possibility Ministry, whose presence reflected the Church’s continued commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
With the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” the two-day gathering empowered attendees through presentations on Deaf rights advocacy, ethical interpreting, and the importance of Deaf youth leadership. Each discussion encouraged both Deaf and hearing participants to embrace the uniqueness of sign language as a God-given gift—an expression of love, dignity, and understanding that unites people beyond words.
The Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM) is deeply grateful to the South-Western Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC) for its generous support in providing transportation and accommodation for the delegates. Through this partnership, the mission was able to take part in a meaningful celebration that uplifted the Deaf community and reaffirmed the truth that in God’s family, every language—including sign language—has a voice that deserves to be heard. As the Scripture reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).
Adventist Possibility Ministry / Hope Channel
Zamboanga Peninsula Mission
